Aviators Snatch Victory from Prowlers' Jaws in Clutch Finish
Petrov, Sharif Lead Aviators to Thrilling 117-115 Win Over Prowlers
By Sarah Jenkins
ATLANTA – The Atlanta Aviators pulled off a dramatic 117-115 victory over the Denver Prowlers on Tuesday night, thanks to a relentless offensive effort and a clutch defensive stand in the game’s waning moments. The win, secured after a back-and-forth affair that saw multiple momentum swings, keeps the Aviators firmly in playoff contention.
The Prowlers, led by a sensational 27-point performance from Nina Popova, seemed poised to steal a victory on the road. Denver established an early rhythm, with Popova and Amelie Dubois (16 points, 5 assists) orchestrating their offense effectively. However, the Aviators refused to be outdone, answering every Denver run with their own impressive stretches of play.
Adrik Petrov was the engine for Atlanta, pouring in a game-high 21 points to go along with 8 rebounds and 5 assists. He was ably supported by Yasmine Sharif, who added 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists. The Aviators’ ball movement was exceptional, dishing out 32 assists on their 45 made field goals.
The fourth quarter was a nail-biter. With the score tied in the final minute, Ben Carter drained a crucial three-pointer, giving the Aviators a slim lead. The Prowlers had a chance to equalize or take the lead, but a steal by Carter stifled their final possession. Nathaniel Thompson sealed the deal with a key field goal in the closing seconds.
“We just kept fighting,” said Petrov after the game. “We knew it was going to be a tough one, but our chemistry was there tonight. We trusted each other.”
Aviators head coach Anya Sharma praised her team’s resilience. “That was a championship-level effort from our guys. Denver played incredibly well, but our players dug deep and executed when it mattered most. I’m incredibly proud of their fight.”
Key Notes:
- Aviators’ 32 assists marked a season-high.
- Nina Popova’s 27 points led all scorers.
- Atlanta’s bench contributed 33 points.
- Denver shot an impressive 43.5% from three-point range.
- The game featured eight lead changes in the final quarter.